Procurement Act 2003

For anyone involved in procuring goods and services, preparing tenders or entering into contracts on behalf of local councils.

Please note that on 12 September the Government decided to postpone implementation of this Act by 4 months, giving authorities more time to prepare for the changes and allowing the Government time to rewrite the National Procurement Policy Statement, rather than using one prepared by the previous Government.

This session introduces the new rules of the Procurement Act 2023, which will now come into force on 24 February 2025 and replaces the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. The session covers the basics of procurement for local councils – inviting quotes, producing specifications and tender documentation, achieving competition and value for money.

Topics include:
• Procurement thresholds
• Basic terminology and steps involved in procurement
• Estimates, quotes and tenders
• Specifications
• Quality and value for money
• Advertising, including Contracts Finder

Session benefits:
By the end of Contracts and Procurement you will:
• Be aware of procurement thresholds
• Recognise when you must advertise contracts
• Understand the purpose of a specification
• Understand the basic terminology and steps involved in procurement
• Be able to ensure your procurement achieves value for money

Session leader: Steve Parkinson, The Parkinson Partnership LLP
Steve is a former Town Clerk and an accountant with over 30 years’ experience in public and voluntary sector finance. He now specialises in delivering training and advice on VAT and finance matters for the local council sector.